I don't like lockbacks

To each his own I guess but the back lock is a proven design that has stood the test of time.

I am with you though about not liking the location of the lock release on traditional lock backs (near the butt end of the handle). I find them awkward to close one handed. I do however like mid or front locks like on the delica/endura (mid lock) or the sage 4 or many al mar knives (front lock), I find them very reliable and easy to manipulate.
 
No love for lockbacks from me too. In fact it prevented me from buying some popular spyderco's like endurance etc. Note the more expensive knives in spiderco line have compression locks.
 
I prefer other locks as well. I' m not a fan of the action which seems to be more gritty and slower in general and I just don' t like the blade snapping closed like it does.
 
Emerson+HD7.jpg
 
jvarn81 said:
Funny, I was just thinking how I am starting to not like Ti framelocks as much as I thought I did....
Click to expand...

Since we're expressing opinions here, I 'm inclined to agree with jvan81 here. Don't get me wrong I love my ZT0550 (it's in my pocket right now!) but Ti frame locks are by no means the epitome of folding knives for me. My Spyderco Gayle Bradley is a liner lock and works beautifully...

Either way, it is nice to have choices.

Ben
 
Love the lockback on my original Manix. I picked up a Fallkniven U2 recently, and because it's so small, it requires 2-handed operation to safely open it but closing it isn't bad. I still love carrying it as a backup though, because it's so light and holds an amazing edge. Haven't carried my Buck 110 in about 20 years, hate having to close it with 2 hands.
 
I have to admit, all of my carry and use of a Buck 110 years ago made it second nature to open/close it two-handed. The assurance of it's solid lockback was - and still is - worth it. I also have to admit, my ZT-0551s and 0561 seem certainly easier - one-handers, for sure. Knives like that simply were not available when I lusted over - then bought - my first 110.

Now, a modern lockback, as in my only Spyderco's - the Native 4 and 5 models - is centrally located on the back - easier to one-hand close (The Spydie thumbhole makes them an easy one-hand opener, too.). Give one a try... you might just like it!

Stainz
 
Posted by Zero-Effect

'All I could think is, "I don't like you" upon reading that.'


Wow! You don't like me simply b/c I don't like lockbacks? That doesn't sound like you're ambivalent about them. It's nothing personal if we don't like the same thing on a knife.

Where'd you get the idea that lockbacks or locking blades were illegal in San Antonio, Texas?
 
I didn't like lockbacks on paper. Then I got one and a few more. All Spydercos. I guess a good thing about them is that you can get a thin knife and steel liners aren't necessary. Some (my Delica) are a little hard to close due to the spring tension (but most work fine). As for the "snaps closed", I see it as a feature. If a folder that's supposed to be carried without a sheath has to have either a ball detent (liner/frame lock) or a spring (lockback, axis lock) to keep the blade from opening accidentally.
 
I used to have a Caly 3.5 and could not recall why I had traded or sold it. When I saw the posts above, I remembered that I didn't like the lockback on it. I do have a Buck 110 and a CS American Lawman. I really never carry them though and they're too low cost to try to sell.
 
I don't have a problem with most lockbacks. My Delica 4 is one of my favorite knives. If I don't like a particular lockback, it's usually because of the placement of it. I can't stand the lock on the 110 being all the way to the back of the handle. If it was in the middle, it would be perfect.
 
I like lockbacks in the middle of a knife, because you can open and close with one hand. The locks are simple, tough, won't get things jammed in them like a liner lock can, and are fun to scare people with when you close your knife. The method I am speaking of is taught in the third paragraph here.

Cheers,
Connor
 
I have a lot of confidence in the reliability of my Spyderco and Buck lockbacks. I would less safe stabbing through something with most linerlocks.
 
I love them. Really simple construction with one simple spring that can easily be replaced if broken. Strong and reliable. I really like the idea of the triad lock as well. I love Spyderco as well and I really hope Spyderco will be able to use the triad lock on their folders in the future. I also hope they will bring back the massive lock back of the Manix 1 and Chinook on some model. I really don't see any drawbacks with (mid) lockbacks at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top